Informed Consent in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Patient's Perspective

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Informed consent is essential prior to functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The content of this discussion is often determined by each surgeon. Many doctors discuss all potential complications. This may provoke anxiety or deter from beneficial surgery. Our goal was to examine the process from the patient's perspective. STUDY DESIGN: A list of potential complications was reviewed with FESS patients. Patients were asked questions concerning their consent and the potential complications before and after FESS. RESULTS: Both before and after surgery, patients felt that discussion of most potential complications was important. Vision changes and cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) received the highest scores. No significant differences were found between primary and revision cases. CONCLUSION: Patients wanted most potential FESS complications to be discussed. Even though this triggered anxiety, they felt it was important to have a thorough disclosure. Findings presented may impact how surgeons counsel patients prior to FESS.